Sunday, July 10, 2005

(Via Fastcompany).The Open Business Guide is a Creative Commons project supported by George Soros'Open Society Institute that aims to collect a wide range of case studies and business strategies. The organizers hope to "share, mix and facilitate the spread of innovative business ideas" in a wiki-like setting. One example already populating the business strategy section is the idea of making the original cheaper than a copy. Open Business describes a particular way of doing business online. It illustrates that openness, free content and services, collaboration across time and space, sharing of common resources – are no anathema to business online - they are a prerequisite. In this spirit the project aims at facilitating a Commercial Commons. New and exciting business ideas are emerging online, profiting from openness rather than closed control of their content. Many of these are using Creative Commons licenses, which specify the rights of creators, while encouraging sharing of content. To collect open business examples is the goal of this project. This website will built an Open Business Guide, explaining effective business strategies, to be a source of inspiration and advise to entrepreneurs and artists. Using the Internet effectively is a great opportunity for artists and young entrepreneurs. They can reach audiences and potential customers globally, 24 hours a day. Yet how to promote your art, service, or business requires a deeper understanding of the Internet’s economics.